Action man Colin Cooper achieved a notable record at Highbury - but was frustrated he could not prevent another one.

The 37-year-old defender made his 400th Boro appearance to consolidate his position as 12th on the all-time Boro list.

However Cooper had no time to reflect on reaching the milestone, feeling the same disappointment as his team-mates that Boro could not prevent Arsenal from equalling Nottingham Forest's run of 42 games unbeaten.

Coops said: "I was delighted to be selected to play in my 400th game for the club.

"But it was disappointing to lose the game after working so hard to get our noses in front.

"Having played at Forest, I know some of the players who were members of Brian Clough's side, and it would have been nice to do something to help them preserve their record.

"But you can't take anything away from Arsenal.

"They are a fantastic side and have an aura like the Manchester United of the late Nineties.